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We enjoyed another superb springtime MINI adventure this year as we headed out west to the Badlands and Black Hills region of South Dakota for our EIM Elk, Buffalo, and MINI Stampede held from 8-11 May. The marginal weather during our Thursday transit gave way and gifted us with two back-to-back days of beautiful high country motoring and sightseeing. Highlights included Mt. Rushmore, the Custer State Park Wildlife Loop, the Badlands Loop, stops in Hill City, Custer City, Lead, Sturgis, Rapid City, and Wall; local restaurants and winery visits; plenty of wildlife…and oh by the way, what MINI trip to the area would be complete without some spirited motoring on the Iron Mountain Road, Needles Highway, through Spearfish Canyon, and the twisty back roads around Nemo? Great fun!

The K-Bar-S Lodge in Keystone turned out to be an absolute gem. Great accommodations and a breathtaking setting in the pine-forested mountains with awesome views of Mt. Rushmore, and a great place to congregate and plan our next move. The local staff even set up a dedicated car wash station, complete with all the supplies, just for us — a gesture that was deeply appreciated by the obsessive compulsive MINI owners among us! We thank them for their hospitality and highly recommend you consider them if you’re in the area.

Thanks to all of the EIMers who participated in this event and made it such a fun and memorable experience!

This event is well documented in photos that are available in our Photo Gallery. You can access them directly using the following link:

Photos from the EIM Elk, Buffalo, and MINI Stampede to Keystone, SD, 5-8-14 to 5-11-14

See you at our next event!